X Factor UK Headlines for 12/02/12

Gary Barlow to duet with Chris Maloney in the final? Olly Murs scores #1 album and single!

‘That was the performance of the series!': James Arthur wows the judges on X Factor semi-finals with first ballad
It was their last chance to show the public why they deserve to be in the final of X Factor 2012, so naturally Saturday night’s live show was a nerve-wracking experience for all the contestants.

But despite being visibly emotional, James Arthur managed to close the semi-finals on a high with his rendition of The Power Of Love.

The 24-year-old singer chose the bold song, his first ballad of the series, in his last bid to convince the voting audience he should be in the finals, and he certainly won over the judges.
Read more: The Daily Mail

‘My little angel': Nicole Scherzinger breaks down in tears after Jahmene Douglas performs emotional ode to his late brother on X Factor semi-final
Emotions ran high during the semi-final of X Factor on Saturday night, but Nicole Scherzinger really broke down during a performance by her act Jahmene Douglas.

The 21-year-old former Asda worker dedicated his first song, Whitney Houston’s classic I Look To You, to his late brother Daniel, who committed suicide.

And Nicole couldn’t control her emotions and was moved to tears after hearing the singer belt out the heartfelt song.
Read more: The Daily Mail

She should come with a warning! Nicole Scherzinger wears menacing metallic Terminator glove on X Factor live show
She usually dresses impeccably for her appearances on the X Factor.

But Nicole Scherzinger made a questionable fashion choice for Saturday night’s show.

The singer wore an unusual metal accessory on her hand which looked like it could cause an injury if the star waved her arm around her fellow judges.
Read more: The Daily Mail

‘I had my lips redone and my needle hole means I’ve got a bit of dribble out the side': Rylan Clark reveals his plastic surgery trauma in first interview after X Factor axe
He gave the performance of his life on X Factor this weekend.

But it wasn’t enough to save ‘joke act’ Rylan Clark from the axe and in his first interview since leaving the show the 24-year-old revealed his secret plastic surgery torment which left ‘dribble’ dripping down his face onstage.

And the flamboyant contestant left thousands of viewers choking into their cornflakes by revealing he wants former supermarket worker and cruise ship favourite Christopher Maloney to scoop the X Factor crown.
Read more: The Daily Mail

X Factor’s Rylan Clark gave birth… when he was hypnotised into thinking he was having labour pains on stage
Rylan Clark put on quite a show during his time on the X Factor, but never did he ever do anything like this.

The singer, booted off on Sunday night in favour of Union J, went through labour pains on stage when he was hypnotised into thinking he was giving birth.

Rylan, 24, was singing with boy band tribute act Fake That when he took party in a show by hypnotist Dave Rawson in Ibiza in 2009.
Read more: The Daily Mail

That didn’t take long! Rylan Clark lands presenting job just a week after leaving X Factor as he takes over Daybreak slot
If anyone had any doubts about Rylan Clark’s celebrity career after he was booted off the X Factor last week, fear not.

The flamboyant singer from Essex, who stole the hearts of the audience with his bubbly personality, has bagged himself a presenting job just a week after leaving the show.

The 24-year-old will head back to our screens on ITV’s Daybreak, where he will fill in for Richard Arnold while the presenter takes a break after his exit from Strictly Come Dancing.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Celebrity Big Brother gears up for series with brand new logo … and Rylan Clark is already tipped to win
While X Factor and I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here are leading up their big finales, television’s other popular reality show is gearing up for a comeback.

Celebrity Big Brother is getting ready to hit the screens again and released images of its presenters, Brian Dowling and Emma Willis, in front of a brand new logo.

And its even rumoured that X Factor castoff Rylan Clark is set to enter the house for the new series.
Read more: The Daily Mail

BFFs back together! X Factor’s Rylan Clark is reunited with Lucy Spraggan…as they party until late at G.A.Y
They’re partying was cut short last month when they were reprimanded by X Factor bosses.

But best friends Rylan Clark and Lucy Spraggan were reunited at G.A.Y on Saturday night and seemed to be making up for lost time.

Now that neither of them are in the ITV show, the fun-loving pair have no one to answer to and seemed relieved to be able to let their hair down.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Kisses for victory! X Factor’s James Arthur emerges with face full of lipstick from London club as Simon Cowell backs him to win
Last week he was caught in a dramatic sing-off, so it’s no wonder that when James Arthur received enough votes to go to the next show on X Factor on Sunday, he felt the need to celebrate.

The 24-year-old singer was ecstatic after his victory and decided to blow off some steam in one of London’s many nightclubs.

And it appears as James left Whisky Mist on Sunday, he had met a few female admirers to celebrate with, as his face was covered in red lipstick.

The singer seemed to be enjoying his new found fame and heartthrob status as he was mobbed outside the popular Mayfair venue.
Read more: The Daily Mail

‘I’m young and single… you only live once!’ X Factor heartthrob James Arthur embraces his ladies’ man image as he kisses mystery brunette
He may have said he thought he was too ugly to be a star but James Arthur’s fans certainly don’t agree with him as he was spotted passionately kissing a pretty brunette outside Mahiki.

The 24-year-old, who said he spent many of his teenage years locked in his bedroom playing the guitar, may be making up for lost time as he romanced the fake-tanned fur-coated stunner on the pavement in central London, before moving in for a kiss.

Heartthrob James, who is hotly tipped to win this year’s show, didn’t even need to serenade the woman with his soft toned voice, as he merely grabbed a rose and shoved it in her hand.
Read more: The Daily Mail

It has been reported that the boyband member has been quietly dating Brazilian backing dancer Rithiely ‘Rithy’ Periera.

The couple are said to have met after the dancer was booked to work on the popular show, and are thought to have since enjoyed several intimate dinners since.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Living the boyband dream! Union J’s Josh Cuthbert enjoys a passionate embrace with pretty blonde fan… before taking her back to his hotel
It seems the boys of this year’s The X Factor are certainly making the most of their new found fame.

And on Wednesday night it was Union J’s turn to enjoy the attention of the ladies on their night out.

But one person who may want to look away is evicted contestant Ella Henderson, who recently admitted her heart lies with the band’s Josh Cuthbert.
Read more: The Daily Mail

No SEX Factor! ITV bosses ban ALL boys from party antics after FOUR semi-finalists try and sneak dates into hotel
They may have thought they got away with it – but X Factor bosses have slapped a sex ban on all semi-finalists as four of them sneaked lovers back to their hotel.

James Arthur, Chris Maloney along with Union J members Josh Cuthbert and George Shelley all tried to various partners past security at 3am on Thursday morning.

But security guards turned each of them away.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Acts get on track
ALL the X Factor finalists have recorded the song they’ll release if they win the show.

But only the top two will get the chance to perform them in the final in Manchester a week on Sunday.

James Arthur, Union J, Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney recorded their tracks several weeks ago.

The choices are a closely guarded secret – but show chief Simon Cowell has given boyband Union J the Demi Lovato hit Skyscraper.
Read more: The Sun

The 19-year-old noticed his computer had vanished from his hotel suite and told bosses who traced the thief and returned the gadget.

A source said: “George knew he had left his laptop in his room, so he didn’t understand how it could have been stolen.

“He complained to the hotel’s security immediately and within 24 hours, they managed to locate it and find the perpetrator.

“The matter was dealt with but now George is worried the thief had time to access his private photos, emails and documents.

“It is a worry he feels he does not need so close to the semi-finals.”
Read more: The Sun

You know you’ve made it when you get asked to autograph breasts: X Factor’s James Arthur signs fan’s chest at secret gig
If there were ever any doubts about his star status James Arthur dispelled them on Thursday night.

In true rock and roll style the X Factor favourite was asked to put his autograph on a fan’s chest rather than on paper.

James, 24, had performed at an exclusive after-hours secret gig held at the TalkTalk Customer Centre, on Broadwick Street in Soho, London.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Barlow set to duet with Chris after stars’ snub
GARY BARLOW has been lined up to duet with Christopher Maloney on the X Factor final – after no other stars wanted to perform with the cheesy singer.

The judge is due to step in and sing with his last remaining act if, as expected, Christopher reaches the grand final in Manchester next week.

In the past, X Factor has attracted big names to duet with its wannabes during the final, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.

But producers have struggled to find anyone willing to sing with Christopher as he is seen as too uncool — unlike the other acts still in the competition such as James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and boyband Union J.

Christopher even asked bosses if he could duet with former cruise ship singer and Loose Women presenter Jane McDonald — but this was rejected out of hand.

An insider said: “Christopher has never been in the bottom two before and bosses are working on the likelihood that he will be in the final — and this has caused a real headache for them.

“In the past, the acts who have reached the final have had some sort of star quality or credibility which has attracted big-name talent wanting to perform with them “But unfortunately that is just not the case with Christopher. He has got a good voice — but it is fair to say he is probably the uncoolest singer to have ever got this far.
Read more: The Sun

Chris Maloney: I’m hurt at Simon Cowell’s lack of support
X FACTOR semi-finalist Chris Maloney has revealed he was “hurt” by reports Simon Cowell does not want him to succeed on the show.

The singer, 34, spoke out after Cowell was said to be trying to get people to stop voting for Chris because he did not want to sign him to his record label.

Rylan Clark then claimed bosses told staff and stars not to criticise Chris so he would not get so many sympathy votes.

And some insiders even claimed negative reports about the former cruise ship singer were manipulated by the music mogul and his team to damage Chris’s support.
Read more: The Sun

Suave, stylish and taking over the world: One Direction smarten up to pose for individual Teen Vogue covers
It’s a coveted spot reserved for only the most popular of young male stars.

And now the One Direction boys have worked their magic in front of the camera lens to become the latest cover stars for Teen Vogue.

Each member of the band has their very own cover shot, meaning fans can collect all five versions of the December/ January issue of the magazine.
Read more: The Daily Mail

But Liam Payne has finally spoken out about his supposed relationship with Leona Lewis, saying that they are not together.

The One Direction star has broken his silence over claims that he’s dating the 27-year-old singer, telling the world that the rumours are false, via Twitter.
Read more: The Daily Mail

One Direction accept Best International Artist at the ARIAs – VIDEO
Presumably the flag is there to cover the fact that they aren’t wearing any trousers

They might have only been in Australia in spirit, but One Direction seemed pretty blinking chuffed to be awarded Best International Artist at the 2012 ARIAs.
Read more: Sugarscape

Niall Horan tooth update: ‘My braces are coming off in January’
All the better to kiss you with Nialler..

As disappointing as it is that Niall Horan taking his braces off code for him planning to take off all his clothes to music any time soon, it’s slightly made up for that the fact the One Direction singer’s newly straightened teeth are about to be unleashed back into the world.
Read more: Sugarscape

Ring the alarm! Cher Lloyd steps out in skin-tight red trousers as she attends Billboard Women in Music
Cher Lloyd has been busy on her mission to crack the States but taking some time off her hectic schedule the singer made time to celebrate a few women in the music industry.

Stepping out in a pair of red skin-tight trousers, Cher commanded the spotlight on Friday as she attended the 2012 Billboard Women In Music Luncheon in New York.

The 19-year-old showed off her petite frame as she posed for photographers at the event which was held at Capitale.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Wagner welcomes his newborn son to the world
WAGNER and his 21 year-old girlfriend have welcomed their “perfect” baby boy into the world.

The singer announced the news on twitter, with Lydia later adding the newborn was just like Wagner.

The couple, who have been together for two years, first met after Wagner performed at The River Rooms in Stourbridge following his stint on the X Factor.

The couple, who have a 36 year age gap, announced they were expecting a baby boy in the summer and also revealed they had chosen the name Leon as they wanted a strong name for their son.
Read more: Stourbridge News

Are these the most terrifying waxworks ever? Jedward get immortalised with some less than convincing but scary lookalikes
John and Edward Grimes already had their voices immortalised on CD, but things just got worse.

The Irish twins unveiled their very own waxworks at The National Wax Museum, in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, Jedward’s doppelgangers looked extremely menacing with some very scary features and facial expressions.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Cute as candyfloss! Amelia Lily debuts even pinker hair colour as she dresses down for Radio One visit
First she was bleached blonde, and then she was pale pink.

But now Amelia Lily has gone for an even more extreme hair colour dying it a brighter candyfloss pink.

The former X Factor star, who career is going from strength to strength, debuted the freshly dyed locks as she headed to the Radio One studios on Thursday.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Why I refuse to speak to my twin brother: X Factor made Olly Murs a star – but it also divided his family
Olly Murs should be feeling a little more secure about his pop career this week, having beaten Girls Aloud to the Number One spot with his single Troublemaker.

His public persona, typified by his image as co-presenter of ITV2’s The Xtra Factor, is playful and carefree. Yet behind the light-hearted banter lies someone still struggling to find his place in the world of pop and celebrity.

For the curious thing is that his fame and success have far outgrown any necessity for him to work on The Xtra Factor to keep up his profile. He took it on last year because of his fears that his music career might end and he’d need something to fall back on.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Leona Lewis shows off her lady in red look in a figure-hugging dress as she performs on Loose Women
Over the years Leona Lewis has transformed her look as she continues to cement herself in the music industry.

And it was no different on Thursday as she took to Loose Women to show off her new music.

Leona took to the ITV studios for a guest appearance on the chat show as she continues to promote her new single Lovebird.

But there was nothing loose about her bold red outfit, as it clung to the 27-year-old’s curvaceous figure.
Read more: The Daily Mail

YOU cover story: Leona Lewis ‘I need to be alone’
There is one word that haunts Leona Lewis in every interview or critique that is written about her, it is ‘nice’. When she won The X Factor in 2006 as a shy and polite 21-year-old it was probably an appropriate adjective. But six years on – as an internationally famous recording artist – Leona is aware that her ongoing reputation for ‘niceness’ has somehow been interpreted as a euphemism for ‘boring and bland’. Yet there is nothing remotely boring or bland about Leona, and nice is far too feeble a word to describe a woman who is, in fact, strong, funny, opinionated and, by her own admission, ‘a bit of a control freak’.

‘I think a lot of people in this industry did kind of dismiss me because they thought I was too nice. People would say, “Oh my God, why are you so polite, why don’t you do anything interesting or scandalous like take drugs?” It’s weird in the music industry because you are damned if you do the bad stuff and damned if you don’t,’ she says.
Read more: The Daily Mail

It’s the X Factor alumni! The show’s biggest success stories prove that they’ve got staying power as they perform together at one-off gig
Everyone’s wondering who’s going to come out on top of this year’s X Factor.

But past acts are proving that there’s life after the talent contest, no matter whether you win or lose.

The most successful singers of the last few years including Little Mix, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs took to the stage at the Metro Radio Live event in Newcastle on Friday night, at what seemed to be an X Factor reunion gig.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Nicole Scherzinger’s Unexpected, Potty-Mouthed Resurrection on ‘X Factor’ U.K. (Opinion)
Despite a dip in ratings, the Saturday night mainstay boasts one shining star: a Pussycat Doll dumped from the U.S. version of the Simon Cowell series.

It hasn’t been a banner year for The X Factor U.K. The series, whose performance show airs on Saturday nights, has been averaging eight million viewers, a significant drop from the 14 million of 2010 — Simon Cowell’s last year as a judge. As for the contestants, they’re a largely generic lot, with the likely winner a former cruise-ship singer beloved by the nation’s grandmothers.

But while the 2012 season may not have discovered many future hit-makers, it has unearthed a bright shining star: Nicole Scherzinger. The 34-year-old former Pussycat Doll is no stranger to American singing competitions — two seasons on The Sing-Off, an unhappy one on the U.S. X Factor, not to mention her own start as a contestant on a star-searching reality show, 2001’s Popstars — but, in her first stint judging on a British panel and mentoring a trio of male singers, she’s been nothing short of a revelation.
Read more: The Hollywood Reporter

‘I guess any form of attention is good!': X Factor judge Tulisa opens up about the Skeletons in her closet and why drama follows her around
‘I guess any form of attention is good': Tulisa opens up to Fay Strang about being the most Googled woman in Britain, her first solo album and wanting Cheryl back on the X Factor

It’s been a crazy 12 months for Tulisa Contostavlos, starting at the end of last year when she mentored the first group to victory on the X Factor.

From there she’s recorded a solo album, split up with N-Dubz (only to get back together), had a ‘sex tape’ released by an ex, was voted FHM’s Sexiest Woman In The World and then most recently started dating footballer Danny Simpson.

So as she gears up to release her hotly-anticipated first album – The Female Boss- I go to meet her in her X Factor dressing room to talk about her exciting year.
Read more: The Daily Mail

The smile that says she’s back? Cheryl Cole sparks rumours she is returning to The X Factor after meeting up with Simon Cowell
There’s been no love lost between them since he sensationally axed her from The X Factor USA in 2011 after just four rounds of auditions.

But Cheryl Cole has ignited rumours she could be returning the the UK version of the show after she was spotted arriving at Simon Cowell’s Los Angeles mansion on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old singer reportedly spent three-and-a-half hours at the music mogul’s Beverly Hills home, with the pair believed to be holding secret talks about the possibility of the Girls Aloud star returning to the panel of the British show.
Read more: The Daily Mail

Simon Cowell: I can’t do X Factor in US and UK
MUSIC mogul Simon Cowell is convinced he cannot return to the UK X Factor without damaging the franchise on both sides of the pond.

The Sun told how he was plotting a return here in a bid to give the Brit show a much-needed shot in the arm after ratings tumbled.

He spent the past week in high-level talks about how he could straddle the Atlantic and sit as a judge on both the UK and US shows.

And while Simon had sorted the logistics by pledging to use his private jet to fly back and forth between LA and London each week, he now fears the contestants he would be mentoring will suffer.

Olly Murs scores Official Charts double with Number 1 single and album
Big congratulations goes out to Olly Murs as he scores the first Official Chart double of his career. It’s Olly’s first time as Number 1 on both the Official Albums Chart and the Official Singles Chart, following in the footsteps of Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams and One Direction, to become the fourth act this year to pull off the double.

True to its title, Olly’s new album Right Place Right Time goes straight to the top of the Official Albums Chart, making it his second Number 1 album in two years, following last December’s chart topper In Case You Didn’t Know.

And not just that, with an impressive 127,000 copies sold in its first week, Right Place Right Time is the fastest-selling male solo album of the year.

Meanwhile, Olly holds firm at Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart for the second week running with the Flo Rida-assisted Troublemaker, which became Olly’s fourth Number 1 single last week.
Read more: The Official Charts Company

I study law at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In my free time I like to read books, watch TV and listen to music. I'm also a huge cat lover and I own 5 cats and a dog.I cover X Factor UK for MJsBigBlog.com.